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Florence holidays bring together Renaissance history, world-famous art and some of Italy’s best gelato.
A city made for exploring
Florence is one of those places where something worth stopping for turns up on almost every street. Grand buildings sit alongside smaller churches, galleries and leafy outdoor spaces, all linked by narrow streets and old stone bridges. From the domed cathedral to quiet squares and riverside walks, it’s a city that rewards taking your time and keeping your camera handy.
The heart of the Renaissance
Florence is closely tied to the Renaissance, and its art history is one of the main reasons people visit. Some of the period’s best-known names are firmly rooted here. Michelangelo’s David is displayed in the Accademia Gallery. Brunelleschi designed the distinctive, cinnamon-coloured dome of the Duomo Cathedral, which you can enter for free. And Botticelli’s most famous works are housed in the Uffizi Gallery. Even if you’re not an art expert, the scale and significance of what’s on show are easy to appreciate.
Sightseeing from the river
The Arno River runs through the centre of the city and offers a quieter way to take in the sights. Boat trips operate away from the busiest streets, giving you a different view of Florence’s landmarks. Traditional barchettos – small wooden boats and the local answer to Venice’s gondolas – glide past highlights like the Ponte Vecchio, the Corsini Palace and the Uffizi Gallery. It’s a relaxed way to see the city, especially if you want a break from walking without missing the scenery.
Florence highlights
ART HIGHLIGHTS
Florence is widely seen as the birthplace of the Renaissance and remains one of Europe’s most important art cities, home to Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
LOCAL FOOD
Try wild boar ragù pasta, the classic Negroni cocktail (which originated here), fresh focaccia sandwiches and plenty traditional gelato at reasonable prices.
RIVER VIEWS
The Arno River runs straight through the centre of Florence and traditional wooden barchettos offer short boat trips along the water, passing underneath the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
CITY LANDMARKS
Florence’s Duomo is one of the city’s most recognisable sights and looks even more impressive in person, with classical arches, columns and stonework that reflect centuries of design and craftsmanship.
Your guide to Florence
Top sights
These are the top places to visit for first-timers in Florence.
Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome – Florence’s most iconic landmark, where you can climb the 463 steps to the top for unforgettable city views. Book your tickets in advance.
Uffizi Gallery – Home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and more. Timed tickets are essential.
Ponte Vecchio – Medieval bridge lined with glittering jewellery shops – especially romantic at sunset.
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio – The political heart of the city, with grand statues (including a replica of Michelangelo’s David) and the historic town hall.
Accademia Gallery – Small but unmissable – this is where the real David statue stands.
Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace – Stroll manicured gardens and visit the former Medici residence on the south side of the Arno.
Historical sites
Step into the past and follow the footsteps of the Medici and Renaissance masters.
Basilica of Santa Croce – The resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.
San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels – Explore the royal family’s private basilica and the ornate funerary chapels.
Bargello Museum – Housed in a former prison, with an impressive collection of Renaissance sculpture.
Santa Maria Novella – A stunning Gothic church near the station with Giotto, Masaccio and Ghirlandaio frescoes.
Arts & culture
From Renaissance masterpieces to local craftsmanship.
Palazzo Pitti & Palatine Gallery – Lavish rooms filled with Raphael and Titian masterpieces.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – See the original Baptistery doors, Donatello sculptures and models of Brunelleschi’s dome.
Oltrarno artisan workshops – Wander the backstreets and watch leatherworkers, silversmiths and bookbinders at work.
Florence Opera House (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino) – Book an evening performance of opera or classical music.
Street art in Sant’Ambrogio – Florence’s contemporary side shines with murals and modern galleries around Via dei Macci.
What’s on
Florence celebrates art, music and age-old traditions year-round.
Scoppio del Carro, Easter Sunday – A 350-year-old ‘Explosion of the Cart’ fireworks ritual in front of the Duomo.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, April-June – Major classical music and opera festival.
Calcio Storico, June – A dramatic historic football match and costume parade in Piazza Santa Croce.
Florence Biennale, October – Contemporary art fair showcasing international artists.
Christmas markets, Nov-Dec – Piazza Santa Croce fills with Alpine-style stalls and festive food.
Local life
Florence is all about slow mornings, artisan streets and sunset viewpoints.
Aperitivo in Santo Spirito – Enjoy a spritz and some snacks in this Oltrarno square.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo – Climb (or taxi) up to this famous viewpoint for incredible rooftop views at golden hour.
Sant’Ambrogio Market – Browse fresh produce, cheese and Tuscan treats in a local, less touristy market.
Stroll through artisan workshops – Watch leather craftsmen and goldsmiths at work in the Oltrarno district.
Beyond the city
Swap the city for Tuscan hills, Medieval towns and vineyard lunches – all just a short trip away.
Fiesole – 20 minutes by bus. A hilltop town with Roman ruins and spectacular views back over Florence.
Chianti wine region – About 40-60 minutes by car or with an organised tour. Visit vineyards and enjoy tastings in the Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano – Around 1 hour 15mins by bus or train. A Medieval hill town famous for its towers and Vernaccia wine.
Pisa – Roughly an hour by train. This city is the home of the Leaning Tower and an easy half-day trip.
Lucca – About 1 hour 20 minutes by train. A charming walled city, ideal for cycling and boutique shopping.
Arezzo – Just under an hour by train. This spot is known for its antiques market and Piero della Francesca frescoes.
Local specialities
Florentine cuisine is rustic, traditional and proudly Tuscan.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Thick-cut T-bone steak grilled over charcoal and served rare – a true Florentine classic.
Ribollita – Hearty bread and vegetable soup made with cannellini beans, cavolo nero and olive oil – perfect for cooler days.
Lampredotto – Slow-cooked tripe sandwich served with salsa verde – a staple of Florence’s street-food scene.
Pappardelle al cinghiale – Fresh egg pasta with rich wild boar ragu.
Cantucci & Vin Santo – Crunchy almond biscuits dipped into sweet Vin Santo dessert wine to finish your meal.
Signature drinks
Sip your way through Florence’s favourite wines and cocktails.
Chianti Classico & Brunello – Tuscany’s most famous red wines, found on every wine list in the city.
Vin Santo – Sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes – traditionally served with cantucci biscuits.
Negroni – Invented in Florence – equal parts gin, Campari and red vermouth served over ice.
Tuscan craft beer – Look out for local beers from breweries like Birrificio Mostodolce and you can visit the Archea Brewery in Florence for something different.
Evenings
Florence has a relaxed but lively evening scene.
Oltrarno wine bars – Head to Via Santo Spirito and Via dei Serragli for local bars and natural wine spots.
Rooftop terraces – Enjoy cocktails with Duomo views at La Terrazza at Hotel Continentale or Sesto on Arno.
Piazza della Repubblica cafés – Elegant cafés like Paszkowski and Gilli stay open for evening drinks.
Jazz clubs – Try Jazz Club Firenze or Pinocchio Jazz for late-night live music.
Why couples love Florence
Florence is one of Europe’s most romantic cities.
Evening stroll along the Arno – Walk hand in hand past Ponte Vecchio as the city lights reflect on the river.
Dinner in a candlelit trattoria – Book a table in the Oltrarno for an intimate, authentic dining experience.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo – One of the most romantic views in Italy – bring a bottle of Chianti and enjoy golden hour over the rooftops.
Stay in a historic palazzo – Boutique hotels housed in old palaces add a touch of timeless romance.
Why families love Florence
Art, gardens and gelato – Florence is enjoyable for all ages.
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome – Kids love the hidden staircases and rooftop view – plus, the climb’s got that sense of adventure.
Boboli Gardens – Open spaces, fountains and shady paths – perfect for kids to run around.
Gelato tasting – Try different flavours around the city (Vivoli, La Carraia and Gelateria dei Neri are favourites).
Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum – Hands-on exhibits where children can try Leonardo’s machines for themselves.
Why groups love Florence
Great food, wine tours and beautiful daytrips make Florence ideal for group getaways.
Tuscan vineyard tours – Book a private wine-tasting tour in Chianti or Montalcino with lunch included.
Cooking class – Learn to make fresh pasta, pizza or tiramisu together in a Florentine kitchen.
Aperitivo crawl – Hop between wine bars and enoteche (wine shops) in the historic centre.
Bike tour of the city – A fun way to explore the main sights together with a guide.
Why solo travellers love Florence
Florence is perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Stay in the Santa Croce or San Lorenzo districts – Central and full of solo-friendly cafés and markets.
Join a guided art tour – A great way to meet other travellers and get deeper insight into the Uffizi or Accademia.
People-watch over coffee – Grab a table in Piazza Santo Spirito and watch local life unfold.
Explore museums solo – Wander at your own pace through galleries, churches and artisan workshops.
Shop the city
From designer boutiques to artisan workshops, Florence is a shopper’s dream.
Via de’ Tornabuoni – Florence’s most elegant shopping street, lined with luxury brands such as Gucci, Ferragamo and Prada.
Via dei Calzaiuoli – Busy pedestrian street linking the Duomo to Piazza Signoria, with high-street and Italian fashion brands.
Mercato Centrale – Indoor food market offering local specialities, gourmet gifts and a lively food hall on the upper floor.
Oltrarno – (Via Maggio & Via dei Serragli) – Charming streets filled with artisan workshops, vintage shops and independent fashion boutiques.
Local treasures
Take home something authentically Florentine.
Leather goods – Handcrafted bags, belts and wallets from the San Lorenzo leather market or artisan workshops in the Oltrarno.
Marbled paper – Traditional Florentine stationery and notebooks made using centuries-old techniques.
Tuscan wine & olive oil – Bottles of Chianti, Brunello or locally produced extra-virgin olive oil make perfect gifts.
Gold jewellery – Especially on Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths have traded since the Renaissance.
Markets & fairs
For local flavours and unique finds.
San Lorenzo Market – Outdoor stalls with leather goods, clothing and souvenirs – best to visit early in the morning.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio – Authentic local market with fresh produce, cheese and regional delicacies.
Christmas Markets, Nov-Dec – Festive stalls in Piazza Santa Croce selling seasonal crafts and food.
Walk
Florence’s historic centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly – most major sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Bus and tram
Local buses and trams are useful for reaching areas outside the centre, like Piazzale Michelangelo or Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. Tickets must be validated when boarding.
Taxi
Taxis can’t be hailed in the street here, so you’ll need to use taxi ranks or call or book via an app, like Taxi Firenze 4242.
Bike/E-bike hire
A fun way to explore quieter streets or cycle along the Arno – there are several rental points across the city.
Train
Firenze SMN is the main station for daytrips to Pisa, Lucca, Siena and the Tuscan countryside.
Why we love Florence
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“Gelataria dei Neri really is worth the hype and it’s the perfect dessert spot after a stroll up the Arno from dinner at The Antico Ristoro di Cambi. You have to try Tuscan pappa al pomodoro bread-soup – sounds odd, but it’s delish.” – Lily Owen
Non-touristy activities
You can get some amazing views of Florence’s best sights without the crowds from The Bardini Gardens. You can catch the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo from its green grounds, and stroll past sculptures by artists, like Giambologna. It’s especially beautiful in spring when the wisteria tunnel is in full bloom.
Free things to do
You need a ticket to climb the Duomo’s cupola, but you can just queue up in Piazza del Duomo to access the main nave for free. It’s less decorative, but a way to say you’ve seen the inside of this famous landmark, too, without paying a penny.
Florence FAQs
The best times to visit Florence are April to June and September to October, when you’ve got warm but comfortable weather and fewer crowds to explore the historic centre. Peak summer in Italy is always a popular choice for families in the school holidays, which drives the prices up.
2-3 days will cover the highlights (Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia). You can always add an extra day to include a Tuscan daytrip or explore artisan neighbourhoods like Oltrarno, too.
Yes – the Duomo offers the classic rooftop view and lets you see the frescoes up close. Then, the Bell Tower lets you see the Duomo itself from above.
Most major museums (including the Uffizi and Accademia) are closed on Mondays. So, plan your museum visits for Tuesday to Sunday and use Monday for markets, gardens or daytrips.
Yes – while the LGBTQ+ scene is small, Florence's city is very friendly and inclusive. Bars like Piccolo Café and Crisco Club are popular hubs, and many cafés and wine bars are openly welcoming.
Italian (Italiano) is the official language in Florence. English is widely spoken in hotels, museums and restaurants in the historic centre, especially around the Duomo, Santa Croce and Ponte Vecchio. In small neighbourhood cafés and traditional family-run trattorias, you may hear mostly Italian, but staff generally understand basic English. Using a few simple Italian phrases is always appreciated, though.
A service charge (coperto) is often included in restaurant bills in Florence, but it’s still common to leave a small 5-10% tip for good service. Taxi drivers and tour guides appreciate rounded-up fares or small gratuities. Florentines tend to dress smart-casual, and when visiting churches like Santa Croce or the Duomo, shoulders and knees must be covered – carrying a lightweight scarf or shawl is helpful in warmer months.
Tap water in Florence is safe to drink, and public drinking fountains can be found throughout the city (including some that dispense sparkling water). Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended.
Italy uses the Euro (€). Florence is suitable for every budget – from affordable trattorias and cicchetti bars to high-end fine dining and luxury boutiques. ATMs (bancomat) are widely available and generally offer better rates than currency exchange counters. Always choose payment in euros rather than your home currency if asked on the card machine. Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments (Apple Pay and Google Pay) are also widely accepted in Florence. But smaller market stalls and artisan shops may prefer cash, so it’s useful to carry a small amount just in case.
Italy offers a high standard of healthcare. Pharmacies (farmacie) are common and usually have English-speaking staff. For minor ailments, visit a pharmacy first. EU and UK visitors should bring their EHIC/GHIC card, and non-EU travellers should ensure their travel insurance covers medical treatment.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.